63rd Primetime Emmy NominationsHBO’s new dramas Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones made a big showing in their first Emmy races, Friday Night Lights received a great sendoff for its final season, Modern Family solidified its position as the undisputed comedy king, The Big Bang Theory and Parks and Recreation landed first best series noms, and Late Night With Jimmy Fallonand So You Think You Can Dancebroke into the major categories at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards. On the heels of its Golden Globe and SAG wins, Prohibition-era extravaganza Boardwalk Empire netted an impressive tally of 18 Emmy nominations — including best drama series, best actor (Steve Buscemi) and best director (Martin Scorsese) — second only to the drama series that has dominated awards races for the past four years, AMC’sMad Men, which had 19 noms. HBO led the network pack with 104 nominations, followed by CBS, which was the most nominated broadcast network with 50 noms, NBC with 46, PBS with 43, and this year’s host of the Primetime Emmy ceremony, Fox, with 42. HBO’s miniseries Mildred Pierce was the most nominated program overall with 21 mentions, including one in the newly consolidated best movie/miniseries category.

In its final Emmy hurrah, high school football drama Friday Night Lights earned its first best series nomination for its final season on DirecTV, along with the second consecutive best actor and best actress noms for stars Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton. In the best drama series category, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones and FNL joined returning nominees Mad Men, Dexter and The Good Wife, which was once again the sole representative of broadcast TV in the top drama series category. Game of Thrones took a spot occupied by another genre series last year, HBO’s vampire drama True Blood, while notable omissions in the best drama series field include AMC’s high-profile new entries The Walking Dead and The Killing as well as FX’s Justified, all considered strong Emmy contenders, though the last two landed acting noms for stars Mireille Enos and Timothy Olyphant, respectively, and standout supporting players Michelle Forbes (The Killing), with her co-star Joel Kinnaman overlooked, and Margo Martindale, Walton Goggins and Jeremy Davies (Justified). Left out in the cold were Showtime’s drama Shameless and HBO’s Treme, as the TV Academy continues to show little love for Treme co-creator David Simon.

Following its complete dominance of the awards races following its best comedy series win at last year’s Emmy Awards, ABC’s Modern Family was once again the top comedy dog with 17 nominations, including best comedy series as well as acting nominations for the entire adult cast of the show, all of whom submitted themselves as supporting: last year’s winner Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen and Ed O’Neill, who was surprisingly left off last year’s nominee list. With no new comedy series making a big splash this past season on broadcast or cable, Emmy voters took a second look at series that had been passed over for best series recognition in the past. Both NBC’s Parks and Recreation and CBS’ The Big Bang Theory landed their first best comedy series nominations this year for their third and fourth season, respectively, but NBC’s offbeat sophomore Community and its cast were once again overlooked. Both Parks & Rec and Big Bang already had had lead actor nominations for stars Amy Poehler and Jim Parsons, who won for best comedy actor last year. Both are back in Emmy contention this year. However, Poehler’s co-star Nick Offerman was snubbed, while in another Emmy gain for Big Bang, Parsons is facing fellow star Johnny Galecki, who earned his first Emmy nomination. Joining Modern Family, Parks and Recreation and Big Bang in the best comedy series category are last year’s nominees Glee, The Office and 30 Rock.

Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts can go to hell! Damn liberal loud-mouths. I will never see one...

It wasn’t a strong year for new broadcast series, so it is not surprising that none broke the best series categories. But three actresses from freshman sitcoms — Melissa McCarthy of CBS’ Mike & Molly, Martha Plimpton of Fox’s Raising Hope as well as Laura Linney of Showtime’s The Big C, which just started airing its second season — made the cut for best actress in a comedy series, where they will compete against returning nominees Tina Fey of 30 Rock, Poehler and last year’s winner Edie Falco of Nurse Jackie, though Showtime’s medical dramedy failed to repeat as best series nominee.

Steve Carell landed his sixth consecutive and final nomination for his starring role on The Office. Carell, who is still looking for his first win, will be the sentimental favorite in the best actor in a comedy series category where he goes against previous winners Parsons and Alec Baldwin as well as Galecki, Louis CK of FX’s comedy Louie, which was snubbed for best conedy, and Matt LeBlanc of Showtime’s Episodes, who is back in Emmy contention seven years after landing the last of three Emmy nominations for NBC’s Friends.

Notably missing from the lead comedy acting categories are Glee stars Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison, who made the cut last year. While the high school musical dramedy was shut out of the lead acting categories this year, last year’s winner (and this year’s Emmy host) Jane Lynch and nominee Chris Colfer returned as nominees in the supporting fields on the heels of Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy revealing that the upcoming third season of the show will be the last for Colfer as well as Michele and co-star Cory Monteith. And with Colfer, the four Modern Family guys and former Emmy winner Jon Cryer of Two and a Half Men nominated, squeezed out of the supporting actor in a comedy series category was Neil Patrick Harris of How I Met Your Mother, a significant upset.

There were even bigger snubs in the best actress in a drama series category. Surprisingly, left out were last year’s winner Kyra Sedgwick of The Closer, who didn’t make the cut for the first time following five consecutive nominations, as well as this year’s Golden Globe winner Katey Sagal of FX’s Sons of Anarchy. Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: SVU, like Sedgwick a former Emmy winner and star of a police procedural, did land another nomination, along with The Good Wife‘s Julianna Margulies, Mad Men‘s Elisabeth Moss, The Killing‘s Enos, FNL‘s Britton as well as Oscar winner Kathy Bates of NBC’s Harry’s Law, who earned her first nomination for her role in David E. Kelley’s legal dramedy. The Good Wife expanded its footprint in the acting categories with six noms. Joining Margulies are Josh Charles (first nom) and Alan Cumming (he was nominated as a guest star last year) in the supporting actor category, last year’s winner Archie Panjabi and Christine Baranski in the supporting actress category and Michael J. Fox as a guest star.

Trying again in the best actor in a drama series category is Hugh Laurie, who landed his sixth nomination for Fox’s House, seeking his first win. The lead drama actor field is wide open this year with Bryan Cranston, who won for the past three years, out as his AMC series Breaking Bad was not eligible this year. Laurie, Mad Men‘s Jon Hamm, FNL‘s Chandler, Dexter‘s Michael C. Hall and Justified‘s Olyphant all have a shot, though fellow nominee Buscemi of Boardwalk Empire has momentum, coming off Golden Globe and SAG wins. However, that is not a guarantee for Emmy love as proven by last year’s surprising loss of Margulies in the best drama series actress category following wins at the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards.

The best variety, music or comedy series and best reality competition series expanded from five to six nominees each this year. Each category kept the five nominees from last year (though Conan O’Brien was represented with his new show, Conan vs. The Tonight Show last year): Comedy Central’s The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, winner for the past 8 years, and The Colbert Report, NBC’s Saturday Night Live,Conan and HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher for best VMC series; and CBS’ The Amazing Race, Fox’s American Idol, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, Lifetime’s Project Runway and Bravo’s Top Chef for best reality-competition series. The newbies in the best series fields are Late Night With Jimmy Fallon for best VMC series, adding to the generational shift in the category from veterans like David Letterman and Jay Leno to younger comedians like O’Brien, Fallon, Stewart and Colbert, and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance for best reality-competition series. This is the first major recognition for both shows, now in their third (Fallon) and seventh (SYTYCD) years. What’s more, the top series categories noms were garnered by a second major nominations for each series: best writing for Fallon and best host for a reality or reality-competition program for SYTYCD‘s Cat Deeley, who is facing perennial nominees Phil Keoghan of The Amazing Race, Ryan Seacrest of American Idol, Tom Bergeron of Dancing With the Stars and Jeff Probst of Survivor.

The merging of the best TV movie and miniseries categories did not produce a major shocker as HBO’s highest-profile longform entries, mini Mildred Pierce and movies Too Big to Fail and Cinema Verite, all made the cut, with three other high-profile miniseries, all acquisitions, also landing noms: Starz’s Pillars of the Earth, PBS’ Downton Abbey and, probably the only surprise, ReelzChannel’s largely critically panned The Kennedys. Thanks to the last-minute pickup of The Kennedys after it was dumped by History, ReelzChannel landed impressive 10 nominations, more than many other cable networks, including mentions of The Kennedys co-stars Greg Kinnear and Barry Pepper in the best lead actor in a miniseries or movie category.

It’s weird seeing everyone forget Donald Glover. Danny Pudi brings a lot of depth to his character, but Glover is out-and-out the funniest on the show just from line readings alone.

Community is good • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Meh. Glover is funny but he’s also over the top a lot. Without Pudi being as good as he is I think Glover’s stuff would get annoying fast.

Ryan • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Not even a nomination for Golden Globe winner Katey Sagal. What a fail.

anotherwgamember • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Absolutely. She has had a very strong year and to be overlooked is such a shame.

nickp • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

good day for Ed O’Neill

Anonymous • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

What about Neil Patrick Harris?!?! The guy is amazing every season on HIMYM and still doesnt have a win! This year no nomination, seems crazy.

Jen • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

I am so happy for Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire. Great shows with such amazing casts. Hope this to teach some networks to stop wasting money in crappy cop procedurals with shirtless untalentd guys.

Pat • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Well for me I would have replaced The Office with either Raising Hope or Episodes. It would be Treme and Fringe in the drama category rather the Boardwalk Empire or The Good Wife. John Noble in the best supporting actor in a drama category (me and the television critics, who knew). And Sherlock: A Study in Pink replacing The Kennedys with Benedict Cumberbatch taking Laurence Fishbourne’s spot and Martin Freeman taking James Woods’ place.

Oh, and seriously Cloris Leachman is not a guest on Raising Hope.

Merilee • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

REALLY? Only Melissa for MIKE AND MOLLY? That show is hilarious!

Karl • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

How about switching the channel. There are 15 shows (yes I can name them) that are funnier

Angie • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

I agree with you about Mike and Molly…..That show makes me laugh out loud from beginning to end and all the characters are great. Certainly more than one nomination should have gone to them.

Logan • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Season 2 of Glee was largely terrible, and not even Jane Lynch really deserved a nomination this year – even though I’m sure she’s a lovely person. She just wasn’t given good material. Why and how it got so many nominations is unknown to me.

I am happy to see Will Arnett get a nomination as 30 Rock’s Banks – so much better as a supporting or guest actor, his new NBC sitcom looks dreadful – and would watch Mary McDonnell in anything, so I’m glad she got a nomination. But the Glee thing just perplexes me.

Kay • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Agree. I literally groaned when I saw Glee was nominated again. Why? Why??? And really does Gwyneth need a guest nom? Her episodes were among some of the worst.

caley • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

snubs:

Nick Offerman deserved a nod. Big time.
“Louie” should be on the best comedy list.

Louie Louie • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Yeah, Louie is very funny.

Karl • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Writing on Boardwalk Empire was superb. Both the pilot and “Anastasia” deserved nominations.
Characters Nucky, Chalky White, Margaret, Pearl, Gillian all had their best episode here. Director for the pilot(Scorcese) and “Anastasia” (Podwesa) were nominated.
They didn’t direct 60 pieces of blank paper.

Sam • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Biggest snub: John Noble for Best Supporting Actor. I still don’t get how that happened.

Ian • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Ron Swanson not being nominated is a crime. He’s Ron effing Swanson. Definitely the funniest character on television. And are we over Glee yet? Anybody? Please?

Mark Jeffries • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Proud to be a raging homophobe?

CB • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

As a gay man who hates Glee and also thinks Nick Offerman deserved a nom, I guess I’m also a raging homophobe, and proud of it– Glee is just plain bad.

Me2 • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Glad to know there are other gay guys who hate Glee. Cannot stand that screeching show

Ian • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

So the only possible reason I could dislike Glee is that I’m a “raging homophobe”? Not because the show is poorly written, reliant on stereotyped characters, and a slightly less interesting version of High School Musical?

erika Hamilton • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

SHAMELESS!! am i the only one who thinks Shameless should be all up in the mix?

bill • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Shameless tries too hard. However, if it were on HBO people would be blowing it.

Michael Heister • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

I agree with you about Shameless.

Zoe • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

sad The Walking Dead, The Killing and Sean Bean didn’t get nominations.

Michael Heister • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Well, there’s always next year for Sean Bean.

Oh. Right.

Anonymous • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Shameless was snubbed. William H. Macy was snubbed. Nick Offerman was flat-out robbed. I LOVE Modern Family, but there was no finer supporting character on TV this year than Ron Swanson.

Layne • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Glad to see Big Bang Theory getting its first nom for comedy series and Johnny G joining Jim Parsons in the acting category. Parsons is masterful w/his command of timing and complicated dialogue that he consistently delivers for big laughs and Galecki’s work has deserved notice for some time. The entire ensemble is great, play off each other beautifully and runs like a top! It’s time this show gets some notice! YEA!!!

Mike • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking Nick Offerman was robbed! I also felt that at least one of Parks and Rec’s episodes should have been nominated in the writing category. Spread the wealth a little.

ae • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

I definitely think Parks & Rec cast was snubbed. Offerman should have been a lock for supporting with possibly Rob Lowe joining him. Aubrey Plaza could have been a best supporting actress. Also, The Middle was snubbed. Patricia Heaton should have gotten lead actress over one of the showtime ladies (for their 30 minute dramas) and Eden Sher for supporting!

bill • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Okay… where do I begin – “The Middle?” Really? It should be titled “Poor Man’s Malcom in the Middle.” Cause it’s a complete rip-off of that show. And Rob Lowe? That sounds like a Leno joke.

W. • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

It’s as if David Duchovny, Evan Handler, Pamela Adlon and the writers of “Californication” have never existed for these people.

Justin • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Echoing everyone here, Nick Offerman and John Noble not getting nominated is criminal.

megan c • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

The Killing not getting a nom for best drama series just illustrates what total crap the Emmy process really is. Best show by far this season and probably of the past decade. Remarkable show and congrats to Mirielle and Michelle for much deserved nods. Keep up the great work!!!!! Go Veena!!!

SamR • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

LOL The Killing. I’ve never seen people who watched a show get madder at it for wasting their time. Bigger than Heroes in that regard.

Chris • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Shameless is the one gasp on my list. Rossum and Macy turned in two of the best performances of the year and really sold that. Very dissappointed the entire series seemed to take a shutout.

Mark • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Major snubs: Nick Offerman for Ron Swanson/Parks & Recreation, Community (for best comedy, writers, Danny Pudi, Donald Glover), Fringe (especially John Noble, but for best drama too), The Middle, The Walking Dead, and Justified for best drama. Could’ve done without Glee, The Office, and 30 Rock this year, as all have been better in the past.

OYes • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

Nick Offerman – we love you even if Emmy don’t. Community – oh how wrong it is to be snubbed. Walking Dead is a terrific show first, then a zombacolypse second. The Office is tired and predictable, 30 Rock needs to keep it fresher (like the Queen of Jordan episode) and Glee is over – it’s such a self-made cliche of itself, its now a reality show spinoff.

bill • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

These weren’t major snubs. The voters were just not as impressed with your list as they were with theirs. And again, The Middle? Who’s mother are you?

Jessy • on Jul 14, 2011 8:34 am

John Noble should have been nominated for his work on Fringe. The guy plays two characters in one show.